The Sunset 5 Laemelle Theatre on Sunset and Crescent Heights in Los Angeles

The end of an era! The Sunset 5 Laemelle Theatre on Sunset and Crescent Heights in Los Angeles has closed its doors as of 11/29/11. It was a lucky coincidence that I happened to go to the movies there on its final day (to see the new Almodovar movie). I have seen so many films at the Sunset 5, I’ll really miss the theatre. It will become a Sundance Theatre in the not so distant future. RIP Sunset 5. Thanks for the memories.

Los Angeles! One of the most gorgeous men to have ever walked among us, Tony Ward, is being immortalized in an exhibit entitled “Ward of the State” at Rivera and Rivera in West Hollywood. 18 artists (including Greg Gorman, Steven Klein, Patrick Hoelck, Patrick Martinez, Herb Ritts, Estevan Oriol, RETNA, Tony Ward, Paul Rusconi, Bruce Weber, Robert Standish, Michael Gregg Michaud, Jules Muck, Rick Castro, Christoph Schmidberger, Ray Turner and Maya Mercer) have paid tribute to the man and the muse who Paris Vogue called “male icon of the century.” Fashionistas will recognize Tony Ward from his appearances in ads for Chanel, Dolce and Gabbana and Calvin Klein. He has also been prominently featured in Madonna’s racy “Justify My Love” video as well as her “Sex” book.

Pure Hustle by Patrick Martinez

The exhibit is great as you’ll see tributes to the man in paintings, photography and video. You’ll see sides of Tony Ward that you’ve never seen before and you’ll also see sides of him that you’ll want to stare at over and over again.

RETNA

“Ward of the State” is showing at Rivera and Rivera (located at 454 North Robertson Blvd.) in West Hollywood through June 20, 2011.

It was such a treat for me to see works from the legendary designer Jon Van Hamersveld in person at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. Just to name a few things that have made my world a better place, Van Hamersveld has designed the following album covers: “Exile On Main St.” by the Rolling Stones, “Magical Mystery Tour” by The Beatles, “Eat to the Beat” by Blondie, “Hotter than Hell” by Kiss and “Skeletons in the Closet” by the Grateful Dead. In addition, he’s designed the iconic logo for Fatburger and the movie “Endless Summer” and the list of amazing accomplishments goes on and on and on.

Designed by Jon Van Hamersveld.

The exhibition at the Pacific Design Center is a nice overview of his career. prints, posters and books are for sale. You won’t want to miss this one!

Jon Van Hamersveld at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California. Now on display through April 29, 2011.

"The Room is Green, The Sky Is Pink" by Olek. Now showing at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California through June 8, 2011.

Long time Los Angeles readers that have been staying abreast of the latest and greatest from the New York art scene have surely been wondering when they are going to get the chance to see works of art in person from the Goddess of Crochet, Olek. I’m happy to report – the wait is over. Art’s latest superstar Olek has a new exhibit called “The Room is Green, The Sky Is Pink” showing at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood. Olek has crocheted over the contents of a bedroom inside the PDC complete with bed, TV set, lounge chair and telephone.

Crocheted stuffed animal by Olek.

“The Room is Green, The Sky Is Pink” by Olek is now showing at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood, California until June 8, 2011. The Pacific Design Center is located at the intersection of Melrose and San Vicente in West Hollywood. Don’t miss it.

After the jump, see a photo of the artist hanging out in her bedroom moments before the opening night reception began.